On Monday, June 9, 2014, Quakertown seniors Andrew Varichione and Ishmael Wright were recognized at a special news conference for committing to compete in track and field at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Cardinal Camera sponsors all SOL college signings on SuburbanOneSports.com. For additional information about purchasing a commemorative keepsake of the signing, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/forms/college-signings.
Andrew Varichione – Valparaiso University (Track & Field)
Major: Civil Engineering
Final list of schools: Valparaiso, Colorado
Reasons for choosing Valparaiso: “I talked to the coach, I talked to the track team, and it just seemed like a good spot for me. It’s a very good college.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “In my junior year when I got to districts and states, I thought it was a real possibility that I could pursue it in college. I got a few letters, and I started following up on some of them.”
Coach Sean Stetler says: “Andrew was hands down our MVP this season. He scored the most points in dual meets, won multiple invitationals and placed second at the District 1 Championships and ninth at the PIAA meet. This year Andrew progressed from a solid thrower who could occasionally unleash a big throw to a guy who was consistently one of the best throwers in the state.
“The highlight of his year was qualifying for Penn Relays as an individual. It was one of his goals to qualify this season and he made it in as the last seed, 22nd. When he got there, he threw a 6 ft. PR on his first throw to get him ninth place. It was a great experience, and it helped him dominate for the rest of the season. Andrew's leadership will be missed greatly.”
About Andrew:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Godfather
Favorite music: Raggae
Ishmael Wright – University of Rhode Island (Track & Field)
Major: Kinesiology with a focus on Physical Therapy
Final list of schools: Rhode Island, Shippensburg
Reasons for choosing Rhode Island: “I went on a visit, and I felt so at home. All the guys on the team were so great – they were really nice. I stayed over, and they really made me feel like a belong there.”
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What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about it in eighth grade. I went to the intramural track meet in sixth grade, and I was like, ‘I really like running. It’s really fun, and I’m good at it.’ It was like, ‘Why not? Let’s try it. Let’s go hard.’”
Coach Sean Stetler: “Ish has all the tools necessary to succeed at a high level in a Division 1 program. He is the most naturally talented athlete I have ever met, with PRs of 49 seconds (400), 14.9 (110h), 38.8 (300h) and 6-6 (HJ). This year we really worked on the mental component of the sport- focus, attention to detail, leadership, etc., and Ish really excelled in these aspects throughout the season.
“Unfortunately, he didn't accomplish what he wanted to in the post-season, due to some unfortunate luck, but Ish dealt with the adversity in a very mature manner. I can say with certainty that he grew immensely this season and that he will have an incredible college career. He is truly a special athlete and a special person, and he is bound to do great things in the future.”
About Ishmael:
Favorite food: Enchiladas
Favorite movie: Warrior
Favorite music: Chiddy Bang
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